Winter had just gone to the restroom, and as it turned out, so had Xavier. She ended up seeing everything that happened there. The sight of Xavier still hung up on Noelle made Winter's heart ache, and she was about to confront him when someone grabbed her hand. Winter spun around, surprised to see Annie. "What are you doing, grabbing me like that?"Annie pulled Winter into a corner. Even though she had touched up her makeup, the scars on her face were still peeking through. Winter could not help but feel a shiver run down his spine.Annie saw the look on Winter's face and thought to herself that Winter was being silly, but she said, "What good will it do if you go up there now?" She glanced over again and saw Charles heading over. She took Winter's hand and led her away. "Today's your wedding to Xavier. If you cause a fuss now, you might end up becoming a laughingstock. You've just married Xavier. If you make a scene, it won't look good for the Harris family, will it?"Winter listen
"Why are you in such a hurry? Has Mom ever broken a promise to you?" Jade asked. "Is something bothering you?""I..." Winter angrily told her about what had just happened outside the bathroom, but she left out the part about Charles showing up. Jade's eyes sparkled with anger, and she clenched her fists. "That mean girl Noelle! She's too daring. We really need to show her who’s boss!""Yes, Mom, I agree. If we don't, Xavier will keep thinking about her now that she's single. Can you believe what Xavier said? He told me he'd cancel our wedding and marry Noelle if she agreed. Mom, they're not taking me seriously, nor you or the entire Shaw family.""Don't worry. I'll handle this quickly. For now, just focus on getting ready. No one can ruin your wedding." She was determined not to let that mean girl Noelle spoil her daughter's happiness.Jade had just stepped out of Winter's lounge when she grabbed her phone and made a call. "Hey, Yitty, has he arrived?"He's here, and that's wonder
"Stop the nonsense. I'm thinking of our Shaw family's future. Marrying into Charles's family is like joining one of Brookville's top four families. It's something many can only wish for!""It's still a no-go!" Jade said firmly, leaning in to whisper to Julian, "I've got someone else in mind for Noelle, and he's on his way.""Who's that?""The Smiths. They're also one of the top families. Remember the woman I saved back in my younger days?" Jade smiled. "That was Miss Yitty of the Smith family. I've heard she has a son. He’s a real enigma, and hardly anyone's seen him. Yitty owed me a favor for saving her.""You want to set Noelle up with Yitty's son?" Julian asked, his eyes lighting up with greed.It did not have to be Charles. Anyone who could lend a hand to the Shaw family was just as good. Julian nodded to himself, thinking. "Just make sure to keep an eye out later, and as for him...""Don't worry, I just spoke with Yitty on the phone," Jade assured him. "She said her son is d
The hall was bustling with guests. It seemed like everyone had made it.All eyes were on Noelle as she helped Samuel settle into a quiet corner, with Charles and Sebastian taking seats nearby. The unflappable Charles naturally became the center of attention, and by association, so did Noelle.Everyone was whispering about the girl who was helping Samuel. Some knew her and started whispering among themselves that Charles was sitting with Samuel and Sebastian. It looked like the two old men wanted to introduce her to Charles.Winter and Xavier walked up to them just in time to catch the whispers. They both gripped their glasses tighter, looking upset."Grandpa, Granddad, you made it!" Winter said, beaming as she took Xavier's hand. "Noelle, you're here too!"Samuel and Sebastian just nodded and did not say much. Winter stood next to Noelle, smiling wide. "I'm so glad you could come, Noelle." Then she looked at Charles. "And Charles is here too!"Noelle gave a tiny shiver, almost lo
Noelle poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Winter. "I haven't been feeling great, so I'll skip the wine. Sisters are supposed to stick together through thick and thin too, right? Let's have coffee instead!" Noelle lifted her cup. "Here's to my sister and brother-in-law. I wish you two a joyful marriage and a lifetime of happiness together! May you be blessed with children soon!"Noelle's voice was calm and sincere. She really was happy for Winter and Xavier.However, Winter could not shake off her discomfort. No matter what Noelle said, it felt like a jab to her. Clutching her cup, Winter stared at Noelle, trying to read between the lines of her calm expression.Noelle quirked an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to drink, Sis?"Winter lifted her head and sipped her coffee. "Thanks for the blessing, Little Sis. You gave me something you love, so I promise to keep it safe and sound. No one's going to steal it away."Noelle's frown showed she was not quite happy with what Winter said.
"Seriously, an uncle that young? That's got to be a joke!" Everyone had figured out who Charles was, but they were surprised by how young he looked. "Rowena, what are you trying to say? Do you mean he doesn't really see Winter as family?"Rowena smirked and said, "I didn't say anything. I don't know a thing!"Winter and Xavier moved on to toast with a few more tables. Winter had had a little too much to drink and was wobbling, so she leaned against Xavier, looped her arm through his, and snuggled up to him. "Xavier, aren't you happy?"Xavier felt a pang in his chest as he realized Winter was flirting with him. He gently removed her hand. "There are so many people around. What are you doing?"Winter made a face. "It's our wedding day, but why do I feel like you're not happy?"Xavier was at his wits' end. "I'm just tired from saying hello to everyone all day," he said, looking down at Winter, whose cheeks were rosy as if she'd had too much to drink. "Feeling sick? Let me help you in
Noelle was visibly taken aback by Jade's request. Winter had just left, and now, Jade had arrived. If Noelle still did not understand their intentions after all these years, then she would have lived her twenty-some years in vain.Noelle gazed at Jade with eyes that seemed to say a lot without speaking a word. Jade felt a weird twinge of guilt when Noelle looked at her like that, but she shook it off quickly. She glanced around at everyone and said, "Noelle, it's been ages since mom last saw you. What's the matter? Don't you want to talk to me even a little bit?"Inside, Noelle just laughed calmly. She thought Jade was pretty good at pretending—she wondered if Jade had learned that from Winter, or if it was the other way around. Noelle did not let anything show on her face, though. She just sat there, silent.Jade was annoyed on the inside, but with Samuel, Sebastian, and Charles there, she did not think it was a good idea to get mad at Noelle. So, she smiled and said, "Noelle, Mom'
Jade would not pass up such a chance and quickly agreed. She had been trying to figure out how to send Noelle away, but Noelle had agreed all on her own. Jade's face broke into a relieved smile. "Alright, come with me!"She held Noelle's hand tightly, as if worried she might back out. Noelle felt a chill and tried to pull away, but Jade's grip was firm. "Dad, Grandpa, I'll take Noelle now!"Noelle added, "Granddad, Grandpa, I'll go with Mom for a bit and come back later!" She gave Charles another look. "Mr. Hoffman, see you later!""Goodbye, Ms. Shaw!" Charles's voice was clear and cheerful.Jade was determined to take Noelle away and did not even notice Charles's gaze turn icy when she grabbed Noelle's hand. If Noelle had not called out to him, he would probably still look as scary as before.Jade pulled Noelle out of the banquet hall and into the hallway. Suddenly, she let go of Noelle's hand, and her face grew stern. "When I called you over, you brushed me off, didn't you? I'm
Liliana's cheeks turned pink as she nodded, even though she was not really cold. "Uh-huh!"Sean finished tending to the wound, put the medicine box away, and looked over to see Liliana sitting up straight like an elementary school student. A warm feeling washed over him."Do you want to stay here with Bobby, or should I take you home?""No way. I'll stay with Bobby!" After everything that happened tonight, Liliana was too worried to leave Bobby alone in the hospital room. Who knew what could happen during the night?Sean's expression darkened a bit. "Don't worry. Nothing like this will happen again." After all, Bobby was in his hospital, and he was responsible for the boy's safety.Liliana shook her head. "No. It's not your fault."Xenia was out to hurt someone, and she would take any chance she got, no matter where Bobby was. You could never be too careful, and who would have guessed Xenia would go after a child?Liliana had no idea what might have happened if Liliana had not n
Liliana gave Sean a stern look. "It's time for Bobby to go to bed.""But Mom, I'm not tired yet!" Bobby said, tilting his head and blinking his big, adorable eyes, which almost made Liliana melt."It's bedtime, no matter what. It's really late," Liliana insisted. She tucked Bobby into bed. After he fell asleep, she turned around to find Sean still there. She frowned. "Why are you still here?"Sean's smile faded as he walked over with big steps and grabbed Liliana's wrist. Ignoring her wishes, he started to lead her outside.Liliana was upset by Sean's actions and tried to pull away, but Sean held on tight. He even warned her, "If you want to wake everyone up, go ahead and yell."Feeling trapped, Liliana glared at Sean and whispered angrily, "What do you want?"Sean did not answer. He just kept walking and pulling her along.Liliana had no choice but to follow. At least Sean was considerate enough to slow down for her shorter steps.Sean took Liliana to his office, opened the do
Liliana blushed and rolled her eyes at Bobby.Sean chuckled. "That's because I'm a grown-up.""I'm a grown-up too!" Bobby declared, standing tall and puffing out his chest with pride. "Right, Mr. Smith?""Sure, you’re a big boy now," Sean agreed, playfully tapping Bobby's nose.Liliana's brow furrowed with concern. "Mr. Smith, it's getting late. Bobby needs to go to bed."She reached to take Bobby from Sean, but Sean was quicker and gently held her hand. His eyes briefly showed some worry as he noticed the scratches on her hand. "I should have done more than just kick her."Liliana's cheeks warmed as she pulled her hand away, a bit flustered. "I'm okay, and you did kick her, remember? She even coughed up a lot of blood!"Liliana thought the kick must have been super strong. Although she was not the one who was kicked, the pain looked so bad that she winced.Sean saw her reaction and let out a small laugh. "Don't worry. I never hit women, and I definitely would never hit you."
Xenia was sprawled on the ground, her eyes filled with bitterness and spite as she glared at Liliana.She had always despised Samara, but right then, her hatred for Liliana burned even fiercer.Samara was gone, and Yankel was her husband. If Liliana and Bobby had not shown up, she might have stayed hidden away in the cozy world she had made for herself. However, she never imagined Liliana would come along with Bobby.Bobby was the son Yankel's favorite woman had given him. Xenia could not stand it. Yankel was hers and hers alone. She would not let anyone take him from her.Sean's eyes were narrow slits, shining with a dangerous light. Yankel read the warning in them. "Mr. Smith, Xenia is still my wife, at least officially."Yankel felt he had to remind Sean, who frowned slightly, then listened as Yankel said, "I'll handle this."Sean raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Well, that makes things easier for me."Yankel nodded back. "Come in!" Someone entered, standing behind him. Yankel
Liliana did not see it coming when Xenia lunged at her. She had just released Yankel's wheelchair when Xenia's hand left a stinging scratch on her own.Liliana took a sharp breath and dodged Xenia's next move. She glared at Xenia. "You've got it all wrong. I may not be pretty, but that doesn't mean guys are just waiting to chase after me." Certainly not Yankel, who only had Samara in his heart.Liliana's eyes were icy as she faced Xenia. "I don't care about your drama with Yankel, but let me make one thing clear: if anyone hurts Bobby, they'll have to answer to me. That goes for you and Yankel too, if he tries anything."With that, Liliana walked by Xenia to check on Bobby, who seemed to be stirring from his sleep.Liliana rushed forward, completely missing the sight of Xenia coming at her once more."Liliana, it's all your fault! Y-you mean girl—""Watch out!" Yankel spotted Xenia heading straight for Liliana and tried to intervene, but it was too late.However, someone else wa
In the dim room, the woman's face twisted with malice, making her look even more frightening."Haha! Samara, I never thought you'd still be haunting me. You refuse to leave me alone even after death. I’m Yankel's wife, for now and forever, and what are you?"You say you're gone, so why didn't you leave for good?"You're brother and sister. How could you do something so wrong and be with your own brother?"And now you've even left this little troublemaker."Samara, since you won't leave me alone, I won't be nice anymore."With those words, she reached for Bobby's neck as he slept. "Go die! Go to hell and be with your dead mother!"Suddenly, with a click, the light in the hospital room turned on.The woman, who was about to strangle Bobby, jerked her head up, startled by the light.She had not managed to grab Bobby's neck and stumbled back two steps, looking towards the door in terror. "Yankel..."There stood Yankel, his face dark with anger and his piercing eyes fixed on Xenia
Liliana turned and saw Yankel looking at her. She felt a bit shy and brushed her hair aside. "Mr. Canfield, let's talk outside," she suggested.Yankel looked at Bobby, who was fast asleep, and nodded. "Okay!"Liliana saw that Yankel needed help, so she gently pushed him out of the room.They did not go far, just out to the hallway outside the hospital room.Liliana paused for a moment before looking at Yankel with a serious expression. "Have you noticed that Bobby seems really scared of Xenia?"Yankel's brow creased as he thought about how Bobby had acted in the hospital room. He stayed quiet."I'm not implying anything bad. I raised Bobby, and he's definitely not scared of me. Mr. Canfield, you saw for yourself that Bobby doesn't push you away," Liliana said, her point clear. There were only the three of them in the hospital room earlier—Bobby could not be afraid of Yankel or Liliana, which left only Xenia.Yankel's frown deepened. "That can't be right. She was the one who su
Once Xenia had left, Bobby, who had been so tense and frightened, finally let himself relax. Liliana watched Bobby with a hint of doubt, then glanced at Xenia walking away. Her brow stayed knitted with concern.Yankel had no idea what Liliana was pondering. He was just thrilled to have some alone time with his son. This boy was his and Samara's, their only child together. Now, Bobby was his sole focus in life. Yankel could not quite put into words the swirl of emotions he felt.Samara was gone, and Bobby was the last link he had to her.Yankel's eyes, deep and filled with warmth, rested on Bobby. Bobby might not have known Yankel well or felt comfortable around him yet, but he was starting to understand a lot more these days.Liliana had explained to him that Yankel was his real dad. She had gently told him that his real mom was in Heaven, a place of beauty.Bobby was not sure what Heaven was, but he thought it must be a really nice place. Liliana had told him that everyone would
Bobby spoke those two sentences in a very soft voice, leaning in close to Liliana's ear. Neither Yankel nor Xenia could hear him.Liliana's heart skipped a beat, and she looked at Yankel and Xenia with a worried look in her eyes.Yankel looked puzzled and a bit mad. Xenia, on the other hand, looked away when Liliana tried to catch her eye, so Liliana could not read her face.Turning back to Bobby, Liliana gently wiped the tears from his chubby cheeks and whispered, "I'm right here. I won't leave you." Then, she turned to Yankel and said, "Mr. Canfield, I'll just stay over here, okay? I promise I won't get in the way of your time with Bobby."Yankel was not happy about it, but he knew he did not have much choice with Bobby being so upset.Bobby was his son, but he had always been with Liliana. She had raised him. Trying to separate them then would probably make things worse.Yankel nodded. "Okay, but it might hold you up a bit."Liliana smiled. "It's no problem at all. It’s my jo